Beware of QR code scams! What it is & how to safeguard against it?

In an era defined by digital convenience and instantaneous transactions, Quick Response (QR) codes have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. They simplify payments, offer access to exclusive deals, and bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. However, a darker side to this technological marvel has emerged - QR code scams.

Scammers are now leveraging the trust we place in these two-dimensional barcodes to deceive, defraud, and steal sensitive personal information. In this feature, we delve into what QR code scams are, how they operate, and essential tips to shield yourself from these digital traps.

What are QR code scams?

QR code scams involve scammers sending deceptive QR codes, resembling legitimate payment codes, to unsuspecting individuals. When these counterfeit codes are scanned, they surreptitiously install malware on the victim's device. This malicious software operates covertly, extracting personal and financial data from the target. These scams are a dangerous exploitation of the trust placed in QR codes, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and privacy breaches.

How do QR code scams work?

QR code scams are a malicious twist on a handy tool. Here's how they typically work:

- The deceptive QR code arrival

Scammers send victims QR codes that convincingly mimic legitimate payment or promotional QR codes. The intended victim, believing it's a routine transaction, scans the code using their smartphone.

- Malware installation

Upon scanning, the QR code secretly installs malware on the victim's device. This software silently infiltrates and extracts personal and financial information.

- Data theft & more

The installed malware can lead to a series of threats, from directing users to fake websites that harvest sensitive data like login credentials to tracking their geolocation.

Protection from QR code scams

The rise of QR code scams, particularly in the run-up to the festive season in India, necessitates vigilance. Here's how you can protect yourself:

-Trust the sender: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar codes, especially those on stickers or provided by strangers.

-Keep OTPs & UPI IDs secret: Never share your one-time passwords (OTPs) or Unified Payments Interface (UPI) IDs with anyone. These are sensitive pieces of information that can be exploited by scammers.

-Download wisely: Stick to downloading apps from official, trusted app stores. Avoid downloading applications from unknown sources.

-Verify web addresses: Before launching a website via a scanned QR code, your smartphone often displays the web address or URL. Make it a habit to confirm that the URL matches the brand or product in question.

Raising awareness & ensuring safety

Web3Cafe spoke with Nader Henein, VP Analyst, of Gartner, Inc (a research and advisory company)., and discussed how businesses can raise awareness about QR code security and protect consumers.

In a response, Nader stated that as cybercriminals increasingly target vendors and small businesses in India through QR code manipulation, it is essential for businesses to inform their customers about QR code security.

He further highlighted that in order to combat QR code scams, companies can adopt a proactive approach. Similar to how banks caution customers never to share their PINs or passwords, businesses should educate their clients about QR code safety. If they plan to use QR codes, it's essential to be specific about their purpose and timing.

Moreover, taking cues from many government organisations, companies can avoid including direct links in emails. Instead, they can instruct clients to perform a quick web search to find the official website and then proceed to log in securely.

For businesses intending to use QR codes, they might consider pairing them with a visually verifiable link, giving users the option to manually type in a URL or cross-check it with the URL displayed after scanning the QR code.

Consumers actions to protect themselves

Speaking with Web3Cafe Nader highlighted that consumers play a pivotal role in their own protection against QR code scams. Instead of solely relying on QR codes, they can follow these steps:

- Google First: For added safety, consumers can start by searching for a brand, offer, or event online. This reduces the need for QR code scanning.

- Verify URLs: When scanning QR codes, most smartphones display the web address or URL before launching the webpage. Consumers should diligently confirm that the URL matches the brand or product they expect, thus avoiding potential traps set by scammers.

To stay safe, the public is strongly advised to exercise vigilance and, if possible, minimise QR code usage. These precautionary steps can help protect consumers during this period of heightened scam activity.

Your digital vigilance is the best defence

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, QR code scams represent a growing threat to personal security. However, knowledge and caution are potent shields. Remember, the power to safeguard your information lies in your hands, and a discerning eye is your greatest ally in this digital age.